In Jersey City, temperatures drop drastically causing everything to freeze, only to be heated afterwards. You might think the hazard has been resolved, but in reality, your pipes are more likely to burst after a freeze.
A minor crack may lead to a significant problem when ice melts, and water flows again. Early identification of freeze damage can save a lot of money as well as homeowners’ time.
Why Pipes Fail After a Freeze
When the water is frozen, it squeezes itself against the sides of the pipes, forming feeble spots and cracks. The pipe can be fine in case everything is frozen.
However, they are weak spots that fail once the ice melts and the pressure of the water starts to accumulate. That is why you will have a burst pipe days after the hard freeze. Unstable weather conditions in Jersey City, ranging from 20 to 50 degrees, destroy pipes.
Check For Freeze Damage Immediately
- Water pressure is weak: In the kitchen, the faucet is slow, or in the shower, the water is weak. This usually means that there is a hole or an obstruction in the line.
- Frost on pipes: Insulate pipes in the basement and under sinks. In case pipes are frozen, they may contain some invisible damage.
- Wet spots on walls or ceilings: Stains on walls or ceilings, such as wet spots, new water stains, or bubbling paint, indicate that there is a leak. Also, examine the drywall to see whether it has soft spots.
- Pipes make strange noises: The sounds of bang to gurgle, or hiss when you turn on the water. These sounds will make you know that there is something wrong with your pipes.
- Musty smell in basement: When there is a sudden damp smell, it means that there is some pooling water.
Quick Home Pipe Check
Firstly, you should move to your basement to understand the situation. Check behind other visible pipes, especially the ones that are located on the outside wall or by the windows. Test your water main shutoff and the water heater. Check them to know they are wet, rusty or swollen.
Test under sinks and cabinets, and put the pipes and the surrounding areas to feel whether there is any damage or any water and to know whether there is any softness in the place. Check the exterior faucets because frozen or broken water pipes can either lead to no water or to leaks.
What to Do If You Find Damage
To limit additional leakages, you should first turn off your main water supply. If the leak is near an electrical outlet, turn off the circuit breaker for that section. The water should be collected using towels and buckets. Once the immediate problems are sorted out, seek the services of a professional plumbing company in Jersey City NJ.
American Way Plumbing Gives The Best Plumbing Services In Jersey City, New Jersey
If you have plumbing problems in Jersey City due to a freeze, call American Way Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. Whether it’s a leaky tap, a broken pipe, or unusual water flow, if something doesn’t seem right, tell us what’s happening, and we’ll come out to handle it.